The Materials Technology Institute, founded in 1977, is a unique, not-for-profit technology development organization representing private industry. It sponsors projects focused on both developing new technology and transferring existing knowledge to day-to-day practice. Practical, generic, nonproprietary studies are conducted on the selection, design, fabrication, testing, inspection, and performance of materials of construction used in the process industries. The scope of work includes evaluation of metallic and non-metallic materials, optimum design applications, fitness-for-service, mechanical integrity and life cycle determinations, and economic factors affecting performance of vessels, tanks, piping and other components.